THE Mil Lel community is ramping up its fundraising activities to bring the $160,000 Mil Lel Memorial Hall redevelopment to fruition.
Disability access and wet area upgrades are among the mooted hall improvements, which was on the cusp of closing before securing $77,000 in federal funding in January.
The small-town asset has slowly deteriorated since its construction in 1955, but a committed band of volunteers is pushing to breathe new life into the facility.
The project will include new disability access and facilities, female and male wet area upgrades, shower installation and electrical and plumbing upgrades.
Mil Lel Memorial Park secretary Janet Phillips was shocked to receive the funding after over a decade of rejected applications.
“Through my four decades of involvement, I never thought I would see the day,” Ms Phillips said.
“The hall’s facilities had become aged and unpleasant and sometimes people have to turn the option away due to it not being totally wheelchair friendly.
“We would never have been able to fund the project ourselves without the grant.”
Ms Phillips said the committee would need to raise the extra $83,000, confirming it was already half way.
“We have to fundraise every year to keep the hall running in itself due to outgoing costs,” she said.
“This hall is a vital asset of the community, which is used by many organisations and community members.
“We hope these upgrades will continue to keep it going for another 100 years.”
The park grounds have also undergone recent upgrades, with the Mil Lel Cricket Club receiving new decking, the tennis club being repainted and a number of other upgrades.
Mil Lel Memorial Park fundraising committee member Sally Work joined the committee around 12 months ago, as she believed the hall was a central meeting place.
“I live only a couple of minutes down the road from the hall and I believe it is the heart of the community,” she said.
“It is important to preserve these places as we could run the risk of people not catching up in the future.
“Nowadays with internet and distractions we still want to encourage the old school face-to-face interaction.”
Ms Work said she had seen too many halls and churches become “worse for wear” and shut down.
“Our hall was aging and we wanted to look after it,” she said.
“I have seen small-town assets like churches and halls being sold off in Mount Gambier’s regional areas due to them not being looked after and I did not want that to happen to Mil Lel.
“We want this hall to be healthy and strong for the next 100 years.”
Ms Phillips said the hall’s kitchen was next on the agenda to be upgraded with this project expected to be complete by March.
Hall upgrade donations can be made by contacting Janet Phillips on 0400 078 237.
A plaque will be installed to recognise community donations and corporate sponsors.
A fashion parade fundraiser showcasing Redgum Country clothing will be held at the hall on September 15 at 2pm.
